Important Tips for Injuries
Never take an injury lightly. No matter how well trained the coach or how informed you are as a parent, do immediate first aid but do not diagnose and do not assume that your first aid is enough. Consult a doctor. Here are some basic first-aid principles.
First Aid for Acute Injuries
RICE - rest, ice, compression, elevation
Rest: Stop play immediately to avoid swelling, internal bleeding, or extending the injury.
Ice: Wrap an ice bag in a cloth such as a towel and place it on the injury.
Compression: Around the towel and ice, loosely wrap an elastic bandage. Use the bandage and ice for 10 minutes, remove for 10 minutes, and continue to alternate for about an hour, several times a day.
Elevation: Keep the injured arm, foot, leg, etc. elevated.
Do not overdo the ice, which can worsen the swelling and do other damage.
Do not use tight bandages, which restrict blood flow and slow healing.
Do not use heat, which increases swelling and bruising by drawing too much fluid to the injury.
Do not massage injuries, which can cause more internal bleeding and tear muscle.